QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

Hi ladies. I know it's like 2 a.m. but I am need some help with questions to ask at reception halls. I think I have come up with a comprehensive list but want your opinions.

We leave at 12:30 p.m to head to our first appointment and then at least one other hall (no appointment needed). I plan to check LIW by 12:15 p.m. in case I missed anything in my list.

My fact sheet for each hall includes:

NAME OF HALL:
Dates Available:
Capacity:
Minimum for room:
How much are vendor meals?
Are kids half price?
What ages?
Any limit on number of ½ price kids?
Vendors included in minimum?
Are kids included in minimum?
How early can bridal party arrive:
Can we have ceremony on site?
What time will ceremony begin?
Ceremony fee?
Ceremony location:
Can we have a rehearsal the night before?
If not, when?
When can vendors arrive to set up?
Bridal Suite size & location:
Number of Concurrent Events:
If more than one event: separate bathroom facilities?
Is Champagne included throughout the reception?
Liquor – top shelf? (Names?)
Are candles allowed?
In-house Wedding Planner?
Photography/Florist – recommendations?
Can we use others vendors?
Any fee for outside vendors?
Insurance requirements for vendors?
Does hall need proof of insurance?
Wedding Cake included?
Any limitations on flavors/fillings?
Cake cutting charge?
Number of Entrée Options
Can we have a tasting
When is final menu picked?
Any decorations included
Centerpieces/Cocktail hour tables?
Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces?
Linen colors:
Ratio of Guests/Servers:
What will waiters wear?
Bridal attendant included?
Number of Bars and Bartenders
Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?
Is cost included?
Table Size (number):
Table shape:
Maximum Number of Tables for room:
Valet – included or additional?
Dimensions of Dance Floor:
Dimensions of Room:
Separate Cocktail Room:
Overtime charges:
Gratuity – is it a set fee? Is it distributed amongst all staff?
Service charge % (number):
Is service charge taxed:
Hotel recommendations:
Direction cards provided? (get a copy for file)
Deposit amount
Method of payment:
Payment schedule and is a courtesy reminder sent?
Any tasting events or showcases before we book?
Can we see photos of hall in different seasons (get copies for file)
Timing for final head count
Can we upgrade if under minimum (no wasted dinners) i.e., cordials or upgrade entrees?
Cancellation and refund policy:
Smoking area?
Any renovations planned?
What/When?
Expected completion date?
Do not forget to check out the bathrooms:
***Take digital pics of the rooms and grounds for file

Add any Notes about this hall?


This is my list. Feel free to post or FM.

Thank you.

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

This is excellent....you are very well prepared...good luck!!!

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

WOW! I can't belive the questions you have on that list. You will be fine and I know you will find the perfect hall

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

Great. Thanks. I think I am slightly anal. LOL

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

i think your questions are great.. but what i really wanted to say was that you and you FH are so pretty / handsome!! sorry!! i know i am way off topic here!

Jennifer

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

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Posted by JenniferLee111204

i think your questions are great.. but what i really wanted to say was that you and you FH are so pretty / handsome!! sorry!! i know i am way off topic here!

Jennifer

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Thanks. That's really sweet of you.

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Posted by kdrainey

Great. Thanks. I think I am slightly anal. LOL

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nice list! and i thought i was anal...

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

You covered everything, wow. Hopefully the hall will be able to answer most of your questions in their presentation.

Advice... tell them a lower amount than you are actually inviting that way you don't guarantee more than what you're expecting, but when you get to see each room ; ask the salesperson ' How many people can this room accomodate?'
If you give them a lower # and the room CAN accomodate the REAL # then you know you'll be fine. You can always add more as long as the room can fit that many people.

Good luck, have a great day!

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

We're leaving a a bit. Anyone else?

Thanks ladies. I knew you would all know what to ask.

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

so HOW DID IT GO???

details!!

Jennifer

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

Katrina- How did things go??? I am anxious to hear!!
-Jill

First day visiting halls Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

We just got in from a late diner. We spent the entire day visiting halls. Traffic was awful. We only saw 3 places. Here's the scoop.

Our first appointment was for 1:30 p.m. at Milleridge Cottage. I loved it and FI liked it. We took the tour and got the pricing for 2/19/06 of $54 pp for the 2 star menu (plus 17% grat & 8.75% tax) which includes a half dozen roses in a bubble vase and the cake. Sunday afternoon price.

We then went to Fox Hollow and there were weddings so we saw the video presentation. We both liked the valet parking and tipped the guys. They had on cute blue vests.

FI liked Fox Hollow much better. We were pushed toward the Garden Terrace for a 160 minimum. We looked around a little and I was turned off since we were shown a wedding in progress. Neither of us was dressed properly so I would not go in and FI had on sweats so he shyed away too. Also, the BM was slightly pushy - FI thought cocky since he knows the room is really nice for the price. He also turned me off by showing us a contract for 10/05 at $120 pp to prove that Feb was half price I guess - as if I thought he was lying? I would be pissed if he showed a stranger my contract!

BM was very pushy and tried to get us to book that second. One date open was my dad's birthday which I happened to say out loud to FI and he tried to make us book it. He then stepped out to let us talk and tried to get us to book again, which was part of the reason I guess he showed me some other bride's contract for $120 pp for 10/05. He kept saying I am giving you $51 pp and you don't want to book. That cocky attitude annoyed me. FI thought it was okay since the BM was offering a nice 'product' and could afford to be a little cocky. But still, trying to rush us into a date in January as if it could be booked at any second was just irritating.

We got a price of $51 pp. FI really liked the video and said he wanted Fox Hollow over Milleridge. His family does property management so he thought that Milleridge was not modern enough.

Oh yeah, Milleridge Cottage brides should know that the carpet is being changed by March 2005. It will be taupe with greena nd burgundy accents - opposite of now which is green carpet with burgundy and taupe accents.

I loved Milleridge so I hated Fox Hollow. I kept telling FI that he could not like the place since he only saw it in a video. He had not even seen it and it could be just good editing. LOL Plus, I had attended a ceremony/reception there and did not care for the Briar Fox room which would be used for our cocktail hour.

We next went to Swan Club and neither of us liked it. It's very pretty for the summer but for Feb it loses all of the appeal. Not to mention, there were 3 weddings going on at once and it was very confusing. We saw one party as we walked in (an open door) and to the left was another party. It was very loud. Not to mention, FI did not like the attire of the staff. One guy was in black jeans but I suspect it was since it was sooo busy that they did not send him home to change. I did not even notice the jeans.

Not to mention, FI just said to write that he was very annoyed that we were not taken to an office to speak with BM. We went out to the Pavillion area. Again, this was pretty and had tulle and greenery all over which I liked. We liked the idea of a valet but they did not help us since it was so busy. We were directed to park on our own. FI did not like that you could not tell who was a waiter and who was valet. Everyone had on black pants and white shirts. I did not notice that but FI is more observant that me. Oh yeah, the BM admitted that the service charge is taxed!!!

We ended up calling Fox Hollow to ask to see the Garden Terrace room tomorrow morning before any wedding. We were invited back tonight and ended up waiting (and drinking) in the restaurant until they were set up for the next wedding. About 6:45 or so we were taken to the Garden Terrace while the party that was being set up was ?. I have no idea where they were but they were not in the room. The prior bride was leaving the bridal suite (beautiful purple callas I might add) and I was allowed to check out the Garden Terrace bridal suite. It is really nice. The room was beautiful too. I had to admit that it was much nicer thatn Milleridge Cottage. There is even a fire place in the Garden Terrace bridal suite. It can fit maybe 15 people? I hope the bride was not upset that we peeked in. If so, sorry about that. I was told it was empty.

We then went down to Briar Fox (where I had been for a prior wedding). I like the way it's set up so the brides do not ever see each other. I had not even realized until today that there was another part of Fox Hollow. Inever bothered to check it out when I was at the last wedding. That is important to FI. I thought he would like Milleridge for that reason but he was put off by the decor. During the Milleridge tour Debra said something about it being 16th century and he said but it's the 21st century. LOL

Tomorrow we plan to visit Chateau Briand & Coral House. Maybe North Ritz Club too since we passed it on the way to Fox Hollow. North Ritz is on a main road though but not sure if this would be of concern if we are inside.

So, right now Fox Hollow is the winner. I am concerned about the centerpieces. I saw some beautiful high ones for the party tonight but they only offer $10 credit per table if the house florist is used. What am I supposed to do with $160 for flowers for 160 guests?

Also, do halls really keep your deposit and all payments if you have to cancel? Not that I think we would not go through with it but that seems ridiculous if they can rebook the room.

So, we are trying to stick to under $55 pp for 2/2006. Although we did not go in witht hat date in mind, it seems to keep coming up. FI had wanted a warm month but he is now seeing that it's really much more expensive.

That my first day update.

Any other modern halls a la Fox Hollow that are under $55 - $60 pp for Feb?

Thanks much.

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

Glad to hear you got a lot accoplished, as far as hall shopping goes! Good luck with the next few! I will let you know if I think of any other contenders! Again, congrats on today's events!

P.S. Fox Hollow is nice. It's owned by Scotto Brother's who also own Chateau Briand. Also, nice that they have their hotel right there too!!

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

This is certainly a very comprehensive list. You definitely did your homework. This could be a good source for other brides too!

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

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Posted by 1017Bride

This is certainly a very comprehensive list. You definitely did your homework. This could be a good source for other brides too!

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Yeah, the BM at Swan said most of this does not come up until months into the planning. he asked where I 'copied' the list. LOL FI told him I wrote it and that is why FI said he had no reason to ask anything.....just say if he liked the place or not. LOL

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

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Posted by MsKitty1274

Glad to hear you got a lot accoplished, as far as hall shopping goes! Good luck with the next few! I will let you know if I think of any other contenders! Again, congrats on today's events!

P.S. Fox Hollow is nice. It's owned by Scotto Brother's who also own Chateau Briand. Also, nice that they have their hotel right there too!!

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I have just mapped out a plan for tomorrow in hopes of visiting more than 3 halls.

Sandcastle, Floral Terrace, Jericho Terrace, Leonards, Chateau Briand, Verdi's &then Coral House. They are all within about 15 minutes or less of each other.

I am uploading my digital pics now but they are too huge to post. I need to clear my camera for tomorrow.

We were told that our OOT guests could get discounts at the Inn at Fox Hollow if we book. That's a plus.

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

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Posted by 1017Bride

This is certainly a very comprehensive list. You definitely did your homework. This could be a good source for other brides too!

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Yeah, the BM at Swan thinks so too. I tried to cover everything which probably surprised him since I now know Swan Club charges tax on the gratuity.

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

That's great! I think it makes you look more like a smarter consumer and I am sure that impressed them.

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

You sound like you are doing well with the hunt. I Wish I had your list when I went looking. I am going to bring it when I go in next though.
Good Luck!

Re: QUESTIONS TO ASK AT HALLS

Oh my goodness maybe you saw my parents at Swan club, one wedding was asian themed and one was indian and I beleive there wee others. She said that at one point the 3 brides were in the grounds together taking pictures. I honestly wouldnt haved minded that though..those are cute pictures not many have in theri album